D’Addario Woodwinds Goes Organic
In March, D’Addario announced that one of its brands, D’Addario Woodwinds, has transitioned to a 100% certified organic reed for clarinet and saxophone.
The NAMM member is a leading manufacturer of musical instrument accessories, including numerous brands beyond D’Addario Woodwinds, like D’Addario Fretted, D’Addario Orchestral, Promark Drumsticks, Evans Drumheads, and Puresound Snare Wires. The family-owned operation can trace its roots back to the seventeenth century and now employs more than 1,100 individuals globally while manufacturing 95% of its products domestically in the U.S. Distributed in 120 countries and throughout the major e-commerce sites.
The new D’Addario Organics brand promises that “no pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, or synthetic fertilizers are ever used in the growing, cultivating, sanitizing, or manufacturing processes.” Beyond the commitment to employing a chemical-free process in manufacturing its reeds, D’Addario also ensured that the new organic reed provides musicians with “unparalleled consistency and tonal quality.”
Philippe Weibel, D’Addario’s France Operations Manager, said, “When I took charge of the D’Addario family plantation in 2008, I immediately began transitioning the plantations to an organic process. This approach was a natural instinct for me; why not push further towards an organic product that is even more respectful to the environment and human beings?”
Beyond launching its organic reeds, D’Addario is committing further to its sustainability and green initiatives by replacing its traditional plastic reed holders with a renewable paper version packaged in a recyclable wrapper, ensuring each reed is sanitary and securely protected from environmental elements. This switch will eliminate more than 70,000 pounds of plastic waste each year.
While the Certified Organic reeds were technically launched in Europe in October of 2022 as part of D’Addario’s Reserve and Select Jazz Lines, the Certified Organic reeds are now available across the U.S and Canada with plans for a complete portfolio switch for the NAMM member to take place by 2025.
Of the decision to shift to organic and environmentally responsible solutions, D’Addario’s Chief Innovation Officer, Jim D’Addario, said, “The D’Addario family business has been built on a combination of innovation and social responsibility. About seven years ago, I challenged our woodwinds team, particularly the agriculture staff that maintains our cane plantations, to convert all our growing and manufacturing processes to 100% Certified Organic practices. We have received and currently maintain official certifications across all facilities and processes and have ensured that the quality and consistency of our products have not experienced any negative side effects. If anything, we have improved the consistency of our cutting process and strength sorting capabilities.”
To learn more about D’Addario and its journey as a steward of the environment, please visit https://ddar.io/organics_pr.